Seton Hall Softball Coach: A Different Look of Misconduct

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/the-turnstile/seton-hall-softball-coach-accused-abusive-insensitive-behavior-150558231.html

In the above article, the head softball coach for Seton Hall - Ms. Paige Smith - is currently facing allegations of verbal abuse and unacceptable behavior. These allegations were based on complaints, from both her players and parents involved with the program, surrounding Smith's value of athletics over academic responsibilities, extensive practice times and unreasonable methods of bullying towards players. For example as stated in the article: "Smith may have capriciously cut a player for missing games to attend class, after initially telling the players that skipping games was acceptable. One player claimed to have missed 20 classes in the spring semester alone because of softball commitments." (Busbee, 2012). Additional instance, describes Smith using vulgar slanders as groups names within team drills. In light of the aforementioned allegations, neither Smith nor the Seton Hall Administration have chosen to comments on the allegations, stating that it is their "policy" to keep the matter private and they are doing their best to investigate the matter.

We have seen this scenario play out multiple times as of recently, but it seems to always follow the same road map; administration covering the volatile behavior of head coaches. The interesting details involved in this particular story are that this time: 1) the head coach is a female, 2) the head coach is a new hire in her first year at the University and 3) it involves a low-profile sport (softball). With this in mind, we must ask ourselves: How often do verbal abuse and capricious behavior occur in collegiate athletics? Has this been a part of the collegiate athletic culture in the past? And if so, why is it that we are just now hearing more stories about it? How does media play a role in stories such as this one and/or even the Rutgers story?

C. Soto
KIN 577